'Centre, state and PMC must share CCTV project costs'

To accelerate the surveillance network project in the city, State Home Minister Satej Patil has proposed that the three government bodies must bear the cost of this much-needed venture

After drawing much criticism for not being able to prevent the motorbike blasts that took place right in the backyard of Faraskhana police station on July 10, Minister of State for Home Satej Patil, has taken special interest in getting the much-delayed CCTV installation project up and running in the city.

Shop owners and commercial centres have been approached to install their own CCTV camera outside their buildings before Ganeshotsav. Pic/Mohan Patil

Patil said that the tender process has stalled the CCTV camera network project in cities like Pune and Mumbai and considering the safety and security of the citizens, this process should not be delayed any further. “A team of five experts under the chairmanship of chief secretary, J S Saharia, should be formed to implement such projects without interruptions,” Patil said.Patil had a meeting with top police officials after the recent terror attack and reviewed the investigation progress of the blast case as well as the completion of CCTV network in the city.

State Home Minister Satej Patil.

Patil said, “As far as the investigation is concerned, 10 police teams have been formed. They have been sent to three different states and the investigation is on track. The forensic report about the explosives used in the blast will be received shortly.”

Commenting about the CCTV project status, Patil said, “There is no political influence involved as far as the project implementation is concerned. Such decisions need to be taken quickly without red-tapism. The company responsible for installing the CCTVs in Pune has delayed the project and we will take necessary action.”

Patil has also instructed the concerned officials to install cameras in the sensitive areas before Ganeshotsav begins. Shop owners and commercial centres have also been approached to install their own CCTV camera outside their buildings.

“There is a need of a national policy on CCTV cameras installation. At present there are no coordinated efforts in this regard. The central and state government and the city municipal corporation should share the cost of the CCTV project in the ratio of 50:25:25 respectively. A special cadre needs to be formed for the purpose of CCTV monitoring and footage analysis,” added Patil.

CCTV network plan

>> As many as 1,200 CCTV cameras at the cost of Rs 224 crore will be installed at major junctions as well as the entry and exit points of the city.>> The high-end surveillance cameras will be installed at major junctions and in all the four zones in Pune and PCMC>> The cops hope that the CCTV cameras will help them bring down cases of chain snatching, robbery and vehicle theft and other terror activities